Ronwen Williams, the captain of South Africa, has dismissed comments attributed to him in recent days and called for unity across Africa.

The goalkeeper said he has been unfairly singled out for comments he insists he never made about Africans and Mexico.

The controversy has led to misunderstanding and unnecessary backlash, Williams said, adding that his message was always about solidarity among African nations.

He said football should unite people, not divide fans.

 

Williams denies controversial comments

Williams vehemently denied the allegations, rejecting the alleged statements associating him with comments about Africans supporting Mexico.

“I’ve been a target the last couple of days for things I haven’t said. I never said anything about Africa and people rooting for Mexico.

I have always said, as Africans, we are one, we back each other in good or bad moments. “Each country has its own problems that we deal with back home, we’ve got our own problems…”

His position has always been based on unity, he stressed, no matter the differences between countries or the challenges faced by individual countries.

Football as a force of unity

South African captain also noted the different atmosphere around the ongoing tournament, adding it is a true spirit of the game.

“We are in Atlanta now and I see so many Africans, Mexicans in one room, that is the beauty of football. “So let’s just enjoy, let’s have a great time and leave politics to the politicians, let’s play football and criticize for what happens on the pitch.”

“Football should be a platform of connection, respect and shared enjoyment across nations,” Williams said. He exhorted fans to stick to the sport.

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